Casualties unknown

Pilot Aborts Go-Around After Floating Landing, Overruns Runway (N7832U)

Spring Hill, FL, US

On August 30, 1998, a Cessna 172F (registration N7832U) operated by Barrett A. Bailey was involved in an aviation accident near Spring Hill, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, resulting in a float that led to a runway overrun after an aborted go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot floated during landing flare, touched down far down the runway, and aborted a go-around due to obstacles, resulting in an overrun.

What happened

The aircraft arrived at the airport for a landing operation on a runway measuring 3,700 feet in length. During the final approach phase, the pilot failed to arrest the descent rate appropriately, causing the aircraft to float above the paved surface during the flare maneuver. Consequently, the main gear touched down well past the midpoint of the available runway pavement.

Recognizing the insufficient remaining distance to stop safely, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around procedure to attempt another landing or divert. However, during the initial climb-out, the pilot assessed the terrain and obstacle profile at the far end of the runway. Realizing that the aircraft's performance capabilities would not allow it to clear the trees and telephone wires situated beyond the runway threshold, the decision was made to abort the go-around.

With the go-around aborted, the pilot attempted to bring the aircraft to a halt on the remaining portion of the runway. The aircraft was unable to stop within the available pavement limits. It overran the end of the runway, impacting a dirt bank at the departure end and coming to rest in a nose-over attitude.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, resulting in a float that led to a runway overrun after an aborted go-around.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 30 Aug 1998 Cessna 172F accident near Spring Hill, FL?

A pilot floated during landing flare, touched down far down the runway, and aborted a go-around due to obstacles, resulting in an overrun.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 30 Aug 1998 involved a Cessna 172F, registration N7832U, operated by Barrett A. Bailey, at Spring Hill, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the landing flare, resulting in a float that led to a runway overrun after an aborted go-around.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10928. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.